Fishing hotlines offer a convenient way to stay up to speed on current fishing rules around the state.
Have fishing regulation questions? Send an email to fishregs@dfw.wa.gov.
WDFW fishing hotline
This hotline provides information about recreational and commercial fishing rules and regulations in Washington's, Coastal, Puget Sound, and Columbia River fisheries.
360-902-2500
Press 2 for recreational rules, then select from the following options:
- Ext. 1: Halibut and ocean fisheries other than salmon (see Recreational halibut and bottom fish hotline for full message)
- Ext. 2: Ocean salmon fisheries, including Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor (see Coastal recreational fishing hotline for full message)
- Ext. 3: Coastal freshwater tributaries and lakes
- Ext. 4: Columbia Mainstem and tributaries from the mouth upstream to McNary Dam (see Region 5 fishing hotline for full message)
- Ext. 5: Recreational salmon fishing in Puget Sound marine areas, including the Strait of Juan De Fuca (see the seasonal salmon fishery guidelines and quotas page for additional information)
- Ext. 6: Puget Sound freshwater tributaries and lakes
- Ext. 7: Recreational shellfish harvest opportunity
WDFW shellfish rule change hotline
This hotline offers information about commercial and recreational shellfishing rules and regulations.
Dial 866-880-5431, then select from the following options:
- Ext. 1: Puget Sound recreational clams and oysters
- Ext. 2: Recreational razor clams
- Ext. 3: Puget Sound recreational shrimp
- Ext. 4: Hood canal recreational shrimp
- Ext. 5: Recreational crab
- Ext. 6: Puget Sound commercial crab
- Ext. 7: Commercial shrimp trawl
- Ext. 8: Commercial shrimp pot
To check on Fish Consumption Advisories: 877-485-7316
Marine Toxins/PSP Hotline: 800-562-5632 or shellfish safety map
To report fish kills, or oil or hazardous material spills: Department of Emergency Management: 800-258-5990
To Report Poaching: 877-933-9847
To Report Derelict Fishing Gear: 855-542-3935
Rules in state and national parks and federal lands
Contact the following national parks for rules and other information that applies within the parks:
- Olympic National Park: 360-452-4501
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest: 360-891-5009
- Mt. Rainier National Park: 360-569-2211
- North Cascades National Park: 360-856-5700
State licenses and rules apply on National Forest lands.
An access permit is required to fish waters on the Fort Lewis Military Reservation. Call 253-967-6263 or 253-967-6277.
For rules and other information that apply within state parks, call 360-902-8500.
Rules on Indian reservations
Before fishing on Indian reservations, contact the tribe for the necessary permits and rules.
- Quinault Indian Nation: 360-276-8211
- Colville Confederated Tribes: 509-634-4711
- Puyallup Tribe of Indians: 253-845-9225
- Yakama Nation: 509-865-5121
- Lummi Tribe: 360-384-1489
- Swinomish Tribal Community: 360-466-7228
- Makah Tribe: 360-645-2201
- Kalispell Tribe: 509-445-1147
- Swinomish Tribal Community: 360-466-7228
- Makah Tribe: 360-645-2201
- Kalispell Tribe: 509-445-1147
Rules for Canadian waters
For general inquiries about Canadian fishing regulations and licensing, call 604-666-0384 or send a fax to 604-666-1847.